So, Patriots’ Day came and went this week with little fanfare and fuss, and no Boston Marathon, all because of the ongoing the coronavirus threat. It is very important we continue to be safe, yet we can’t help but miss these grand old traditions that most of us look forward to. It’s unfortunate that we have had to give up so much so far, but these events and special occasions will return. For now, be safe and ride this thing out with patience and good humor.

While the usual commemorations of Patriots’ Day have not taken place this year due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we still look for ways to remember with reverence the exploits of the brave men and women who made the American Revolution the success it eventually became.

Locally, we especially honor those who fought the battles of Lexington and Concord, and of Menotomy. And, of course, the lauded “Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” is a fundamental part of the great American saga.

Eagle Feathers #228 – The Story Teller

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

His goal in writing was to stimulate interest, excite and enlighten young people about history. His heroes were mostly of the American saga. Elbridge Streeter Brooks (1846-1902) was a well-known author, reviewer and editor for numerous publishers and magazines: The Independent, Wide Awake, Publishers Weekly, and Harpers to name a few. He set out writing a series of articles named Historic Boys and Historic Girls which were in the St. Nicholas Magazine.

— Photo courtesy of Somerville Fire Dept.

Shown is Lt. Robert MacLaughlan receiving his retirement badge from (L-R) Assist Chief Chris Major and Chief Breen in the Chief’s Office. Bob officially retired on April 18. His last assignment was in Fire Prevention. 

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I was lucky to connect with Somerville’s Allison Reyes. This young woman is part of a musical group Testi5, where she sings and dances, she also teaches ballet, and has a strong bond with her church, and the Dominican community.

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Kitty Beer’s stories and articles have appeared in print and online in the U.S. and Canada, including her work as an environmental journalist. She grew up in New England and raised her two children in Canada, Germany, and upstate New York. She holds her B.A. from Harvard University, and her M.A. from Cornell University.

Charline Rosemond was found murdered on April 13, 2009, in Somerville. It is 12 years later and her case remains unsolved. If you have any information about the unsolved homicide of Charline Rosemond, please contact Somerville Police Det. Alan Monaco at 617-625-1600 Ext. 7226 and DA Office 781-897-6600. Please help bring closure to the Rosemond Family.

The Somerville Fire Department responded to a building fire at 2-4 Adrian Street on Monday afternoon, April 19. The initial call was reported at 2:52 p.m. Arriving firefighters encountered a heavy smoke condition in the building with an active fire in the basement. The building is currently under renovation and is unoccupied. Workers were on the site working at the time of the fire.

The Somerville Police are interested in speaking to the individual shown below regarding an incident on Summer Street on April 9 at around 2:00 p.m. He is described as a thin white male in his 20s. He was seen wearing a tan jacket, light colored pants, and a backpack. If you have any information please contact Detective Mark Pulli at mpulli@police.somerville.ma.us or 617-625-1600 x7238.

Celebrate Earth day! Residents are invited to sign-up and join Ward Captains, Groundwork Somerville leaders, Main Streets Organizations and City officials in each of the City’s seven wards to help prepare the city for the spring and summer by weeding open spaces, cleaning up streets and beautifying our community following the long winter months.